On a vote of 40 to 30, the House just rejected a motion to table Rep. Andy Nunez’s proposal to end New Mexico’s practice of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Nambe, allowed the chamber to take that vote even though Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Texico, attempted to end debate on Nunez’s proposal by invoking the three-hour limit. Roch repeatedly challenged Lujan’s ruling to allow the tabling motion to go forward. But Lujan ignored him.

“This is a Banana Republic,” Roch could be heard saying as members began voting on the tabling motion.